Plans are moving forward for a new residential development at 1035 South Boulevard in Oak Park. Located along the CTA Green Line tracks at the corner of South Marion Street, the new structure would replace a parking lot behind the historic arcade building at the front of the site. The project is being led by Sachem Building LLC, the owner of the arcade building.

The existing arcade building, which dates back to 1906, is protected as a landmark. As a result, the new proposal has faced challenges in gaining approval from Oak Park’s Historic Preservation Commission, which has blocked the project four times. However, the Oak Park Village Board stepped in last month and overrode the commission’s decision, allowing the project to proceed.

The current proposal—described as a high-rise by local publications—will rise 10 stories and reach approximately 100 feet in height, following a minor reduction earlier in the approval process. It will feature a striking Art Deco façade with gold accents and a central decorative clock—a level of architectural detail rarely seen today, though some have called it too eye-catching. Go to Chicago YIMBY for full article.